New bridge connecting Makati, Mandaluyong opened

The travel from Makati to Mandaluyong and vice versa will now become faster with the opening of a new bridge connecting the two Metro Manila cities over the weekend.

The 676-lineal meter Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge is part of the government's effort to de-congest traffic in Metro Manila, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said in a statement.

Present during the formal opening of the bridge were Vice President Jejomar Binay, DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson, Austrian Ambassador Wilhelm Donko, and mayors Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr. (Makati) and Benhur Abalos (Mandaluyong).

The concrete and modular steel bridge was constructed at a cost of P303.655 million, the DPWH said.

The DPWH said the bridge spanning the Pasig River will serve as additional access connecting Makati and the southern part of Metro Manila.

Singson said the opening of the bridge will further promote economic and social development between Makati and Mandaluyong.

The construction of the bridge — where the Austrian government supplied the modular steel component — was implemented by the DPWH Metro Manila unit under Regional Director Reynaldo Tagudando.

"To ensure safety, lampposts were installed on the bridge proper and along the 231 lineal meters Mandaluyong side approach and 243 lineal meters Makati side approach," the DPWH said. — JE/KBK GMA News